Turning over R$13 billion, agribusiness is a bet for good business in Pernambuco

Agribusiness represents 5% of Pernambuco’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), worth more than R$13 billion per year. The sector is considered essential for the movement of the economy, reaching all 184 municipalities in the state. These are resources that impact the generation of employment and income, benefiting families and adding value to products and services. It is this positive scenario that drives the 30th edition of Agrinordeste, the largest fair in the sector, which takes place between November 30th and December 3rd, at the Convention Center, in Olinda.

The event is expected to attract more than 60,000 visitors, spread across more than 300 stands set up in the event pavilion. With the mission of bringing the atmosphere of the countryside to the city, the fair will extend, for the first time, also to the weekend, with an eye on greater circulation of people and, consequently, more business movement. The operation, with free entry, will continue with extended hours, from 9am to 9pm.

In this edition, more than 43 economic segments will present their work, including family farming, with legumes, honey, fruits and vegetables; but also drinks, machines, technology, chocolates, furniture, automation systems, clothing, solar energy, beauty products and many others. Over four days, around 100 training lectures will also be offered to the public, divided into nine auditoriums.

For the president of the Federation of Agriculture and Livestock of the State of Pernambuco (Faepe), Pio Guerra, at the head of the event, Agrinordeste is already consolidated in the calendar of events in the Brazilian agro sector. “This year, we will receive an even greater number of caravans, coming from different regions of the country. It is a complete program, which covers everything from fruit growing, sugar cane, dairy and beef cattle farming, as well as current political and social issues, which deal with environmental issues, for example, something so necessary today, paving the way for the future”, he explained.

The Secretary of Agriculture of Pernambuco, Ellen Viegas, also highlighted investments planned by the state for this segment. “The majority of deals are closed after the fair and our role is to ensure a competitive environment. We are closing a series of programs this year and others for 2024, which will promote a safer territory for producers,” she said. She cites initiatives such as Sertão Vivo, worth around R$300 million; and the other aimed at encouraging milk, starting at R$12 million. Banco do Nordeste also estimates more than R$1 billion for family farming, considered the largest volume of resources in history and corresponding to 70% of all rural credit.

For the economist, specialist in agriculture, Marcus Melo, regions such as Agreste, with dairy production; the São Francisco Valley, with fruit growing; and Zona da Mata, with the cultivation of sugar cane, are areas considered fundamental in the development process. “When we talk about the agricultural sector, within the framework, we conceive a number of around 300 thousand people, which represents 10% of all employed labor in Pernambuco. If we were to expand and unite the agroindustry, with sugar and alcohol; inputs; agro-services; and all logistics, we passed the mark of R$ 70 billion handled. It is an extremely relevant chain that still needs more attention”, he highlights.